The Tucson Theatre Announcements List is a monitored e-mail list. Notices from Tucson area theatre companies, filmmakers and others are forwarded to the list members. These notices include auditions, casting calls, openings and other announcements of interest to actors, directors, techies and theatre lovers in our community. This Blog contains an archive of recent posts to the list. For more information go to http://tucsonstage.com

Looking for singers, actors, dancers – ages 6 – 14 (younger and older considered with special arrangement) Also looking for young people and parents interested in Tech - sound, lights, props, costumes, make-up, sets/scenery.

"The Magi’s Christmas Tale" is an original play by Tucsonan, Burney Starks and is a potpourri of Holiday ideas and ideals all rolled into one plot. Characters from Peanuts comics, the "Wizard of Oz", Batman and Robin, O'Henry's "Gift of the Magi" appear on stage and bring the Nativity to life as choruses, dancers soloists and actors relate the true spirit of this Holiday season. With each new production, the play takes on a life of its own.

Burnes Starks wrote “The Blue Wizard's Christmas Tale” in 1975 during an Army tour in the Republic of South Korea. He has staged the play in Korea, Kentucky and West Virginia as well as at more than 17 Tucson area schools, the University of Arizona, PimaCommunity College, two senior care facilities, and four institutions for youth with special needs. Since its opening in 1975, more than 300 young people have experienced the magic of performing in this Fantasy play, including scores of students that have performed at PuebloGardensElementary School, UtterbackMiddle School and HudlowElementary School.

This fantasy tale, with its costuming, music and recognizable characters shows us that this special and magical time of year is a time of giving and not of getting, it’s a time to share joy, happiness and peace on earth.

Kids will also have an opportunity to sign up for free theater classes. Scripts may be obtained via email.

A new Musical by Tony-Award winning William Finn (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, A New Brain, Falsettos) will be presented by Arizona Onstage Productions for 7 performances only November 10-19th at Zuzi's Theater - 738 North 5th Ave. Call 882.6574 for reservations, or go to www.arizonaonstage.org for ticket purchase and more information.

Featuring Tucson Favorites Betty Craig, Diane Thomas, Kit Runge, Joseph Topmiller, Marcus Smith and Music Direction from Aryo Wicaksono and direction by Kevin Johnson, ELEGIES - LOOKING UP is a musical celebration that explores loss, courage, and finding light and laughter in difficult situations, be it the loss of a pet or relative, a neighbor moving or the aftermath of 9/11.

"Breathtaking in the depth and breadth of its commentary, - the show offers infinate joy!" -

Actor's Gymnasium participants will be working with world rankedwomen's boxer Stacy Smith this Saturday October 28th, 2:00 p.m. atPrescott College Tucson Center, 2233 E. Speedway. The workshop isalways free and open to anyone interested. This session will notinclude contact sparring but will concentrate on stance, balance,rhythm, energy, movement and sound. Actor's Gymnasium meets everySaturday in an effort to help actors and directors develop theirexpressive skills and enliven their scenic presence. For more information please contact David Greenwood atdgreenwood@prescott.edu or 591-2476.

Tucson's creative youth invite you to laugh, wonder and enjoy theirproductions ofsome of the finest playwrights of our time.? Supervised by aprofessional?staff, these?young people prove their integrity, love of theater, courage and sharing;qualities ofthe best of human beings.

The plays are gleefully called HISSY Fits - short for Humorous, Insightful,Silly,Surreal Yarns written by Durang, Ives, Albee, Kauffman and more.

Dates and timesNov 12 and 19 at 2pmNov 16 and 18 at 7pm

PlaceChurch of St Francis in the Foothills4625 River Road TucsonNW corner of River and Swan299-9063

ETCETERA, Live Theatre Workshop's Late-Night Series, is currently lookingfor a Stage Manager for it's upcoming production of "The Tragedy of Hamlet,Prince of Denmark," by William Shakespeare, Directed by Adam-Adolfo. Thestage manager would be needed at rehearsals beginning Monday, November 27th,2006 for a rehearsal period to take place Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdaysfrom 10:00 PM-12:30 AM. 'Hamlet' will perform for four weeks, Friday andSaturday evenings at 10:30 PM, January 12th through February 3rd at LiveTheatre Workshop. Those interested in the position must contact ChristopherJohnson by either emailing CorpusChristopher@hotmail.com or calling him onhis cell at (520) 481-1449. This is a volunteer position that consists ofassisting the Director during the rehearsal process and running Light &Sound during the performance run. Stage Manager will recieve comps for theshow. Great opportunity to work in an intimate space with a group ofincredibly talented people...

ETCETERA is also looking for Stage Managers for it's upcoming Productions of"Fat Pig" by Neil LaBute and "Hedwig & The Angry Inch" by JohnCameron-Mitchell.

Show Synopsis: Got a self-contained act you've been looking toperform? Don't have an act, but want to put your head togetherwith other performers to develop a kick-ass show? Do youadmire troupes such as Scandelesque and Dragstar Cabaret andwant to be a part of something similiar? Freelove Cabaretcould be exactly what you're looking for.

Crew Needed: Looking for sound and lighting techs, stagemanagers, costume designers, and we are interested in hearingfrom people who'd like to be a part of this endeavor.

Additional Info: Dana Cianciotto created comedy improv troupeNot Burnt Out Just Unscrewed in 2002, and is currently theArtistic Director of Insurrection Theater Company. She hasworked in NYC with Comic Strip Live, People's Improv Theater,and attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Shecurrently works with improv troupe the Light Rail Pirates, andhas experience working publicity for Broadway and off-Broadwayproductions.

ETCETERA, Live Theatre Workshop's Late-Night Series, will be holdingauditions for it's upcoming Special Event "Old Pueblo Playwrights UNBOUND," a staged reading series of edgy, uncensored and unrestricted material fromsome of Tucson's leading playwrights and directed by Ry Herman, JillianCourtney and Christopher Johnson.

Roles to be cast include 6 Women, 2 men, 1 Teenage Male and 1 TeenageFemale. Auditions will consist of cold readings of selections from the newplays and monologues that make up OPP: UNBOUND. Audtioners are encouraged tobring their headshot and resume.

Audtions will be held on Wednesday, November 1st, 2006 at 10:00 PM at LiveTheatre Workshop (5317 E. Speedway). The show will rehearse for two weeksbeginning November 6th, 2006 and will perform for two-nights, November 16th& 17th, Thursday and Friday Evening, at 10:30 PM.

For Questions or More Information contact Christopher Johnson, ETCETERACoordinator, by emailing CorpusChristopher@hotmail.com or calling (520)481-1449.

Hi to all! Hope things are good. Below is information on an upcoming specialevent for LTW's ETCETERA Series. Thanks for keeping us out there! Kristi

Old Pueblo PlaywrightsUNBOUNDA staged reading series of edgy, uncensored and unrestrictedmaterial from some of Tucson's leading playwrights.OPP's playwrights come together withLTW's actors for what is bound to be an unforgettable nightof fresh, contemporary and challenging new theatre writtenspecifically for ETCETERA, LTW's Late Night Series.Featuring Short Plays and monologues byRy Herman,Asher Wyndham,Kelly Hardesty,Eugenia Woods,Manuel Peters,Richard Chaney,Adrienne PerryAnd Kolby Granville.

The scene is the set where Anthony J. Lefcourt, writer and director, is rehearsing his new play, a "classic whodunit" (in which all the characters are named Butler) with which he hopes to regain the success that has eluded him in recent seasons. Desperately eager to stimulate his cast to their best efforts, he has deliberately withheld the final scene of the play from them, but his patience is worn thin by the petty jealousies and romantic rivalries that detract from their concentration. In an effort to spur them on he "stages" the murder of one of the actresses, after which the plot begins to twist and turn with such dazzling ingenuity—and hilarity—that soon actors and audience alike have lost track of what is real and what is make-believe—until a surprise ending sets matters straight in a most bizarre and ironic way.

Cast:

Bruce Bieszki as Anthony J. Lefcourt

Tony Ekstat as Robert

Steve Cruz as Michael Heather Van Houten as Natalie

Michelle Turner as Claudia James Wilson as Sam

Production Staff:

Director: James Gooden

Set Design: JaMarcus Williams

Light & Sound Design: James Wilson

Costume Design: Elizabeth Gooden

Stage Manager: Ryan Butler

Location: Top Hat’s intimate performance space is located at the South East corner of FortLowell and Country Club and is dedicated to presenting fun and entertaining theatre.

Those auditioning should be able to play an age range of 16-23 years old.

The audition for will take place on:

Saturday, November 4, 2006

The Invisible Theatre

1400 N. First Avenue (at Drachman)

Scheduled intervals beginning at 11:00 AM

Call (520) 882-9721 to schedule an audition appointment.Please bring photo and resume.Those auditioning will be asked to read from the script.

LETTERS TO SALA will be presented at The Invisible Theatre from March 20 – April 8, 2007.Rehearsals will begin mid-February.An honorarium will be paid to cast members.

LETTERS TO SALA is based on a treasure trove of nearly 300 personal letters received by a Jewish girl from Poland (Sala) who was imprisoned in various Nazi labor camps between 1940 - 1945.It illuminates, in a multi-media presentation, a provocative and profound true story that lives on and alters our destiny and fate, even today.

“The letters tell of a past locked away by a young woman who hoped never to resurrect it, and of the eventual understanding between a mother and a daughter.”

Auditions to take place in Tucson and Phoenix for rock musical about JanisJoplin

Calling all rock musicians for Arizona Theatre Company's production of LOVE,JANIS, the rock-biography of Janis Joplin. Auditioning drummers, trumpet andsax players, first and second electric guitarists, electric bass guitaristsand keyboardists for salaried positions. Musicians will audition for andplay under musical direction of Sam Andrew, legendary guitarist for BigBrother and the Holding Company and Janis Joplin.

DATE/TIME Auditions are by appointment only. Phoenix auditions will be held onWednesday, November 1, 2006 from 12 - 5 PM at the Herberger Theater Centerin downtown Phoenix. Tucson auditions will be held on Thursday, November 2,from 11 AM - 2 PM at the Temple of Music and Art in downtown Tucson.

REQUIREMENTSRock musicians in their 20's (or who look like they are in their 20's) toplay Joplin hits from four to seven shows a week and are available forrehearsal and performances March 13 - April 9 in Tucson, April 13 - May 13in Phoenix and May 17 - 27 in Mesa. These are salaried positions. Housingand travel will be provided when away from home city.

BRING TO THE AUDITIONMusicians are asked to do a fast piece and a slow piece, and will possiblybe asked to play with other musicians. Bring resume with a picture andcurrent contact information. Theatre will provide a full drum set, keyboardand guitar and bass amps.

We have two exciting events coming to the Berger Center this weekend.Please post this announcement if you would. Thanks, Mark

The Bellydance Superstars bring their enthralling performances andmesmerizing choreography to Berger Performing Arts Center on Friday, October27 at 8:00 PM. The Bellydance Superstars - the world's premier belly dancetroupe - have performed 375 concerts in 16 countries in just three years,wowing over 1 million enthusiastic fans in venues, and 80 million more ontelevision with their fascinating live performances. Now the acclaimedtroupe formed by music business mogul Miles Copeland is back in the UnitedStates to once again wow American audiences. Tickets can be purchased by visiting: http://www.bellydancesuperstars.tickets.musictoday.com, or by calling1-800-594-TIXX. Tickets are $32.00 in advance $20.00 for students and$38.00 the day of the show. The Berger Performing Arts Center is located at1200 West Speedway Blvd. Call (520) 770-3690 for more information.

Bill: FYI - A few people forwarded Art Almquist's editorial to me. I thoughtI would forward my response to him to you.

--------------

Art: Someone out there in the arts community just sent me a copy of yourguest editorial - don't know if it will run, but I wanted to respond anyway.

I'm not sure if you know that I am the arts editor, in charge of FridayAccent, which is devoted to arts in Tucson.

With arts now in Accent, we have much more space to do theater, dance, operaand the other fine arts justice.

Last Friday, for instance, we had an in-depth piece on Jitney; news storieson the new director of the opera and the gallery the Center for Creativephotography is opening at the Phoenix Museum; a story on a poetry reading atthe UA; preview of Acoustic Africa; preview of the Arizona Friends ofChamber concert; short stories on the show at Conrad Wilde, with a refer toan on-line audio slide show; a short story on the Cowboy Artists of Americashow in Phoenix; quickies on symphonic concerts coming up, three differentshort pieces geared specifically for kids; and a story on acoustic musicworkshops.

Now, I worked for Caliente for years. We never had as much arts coverage inone Caliente.

Also, I still write about theater. If I'm too busy to preview, I make suresomeone else writes a story for my section. I review most professional showsin town, and will continue to do so. I can't think of any professionalproduction this season thus far that has not had a preview, even if just ashort one.

The new Caliente does have theater and other arts listings - those arepulled from our on-line listings, and are put on-line by the organizations.If they aren't on-line, they don't make it to the paper. I don't thinkCarrie was aware of that; hence, On the Verge didn't make it into a coupleof listings. When she called me, I made sure it was slipped in for the lastweekend.

We have the arts coverage in the Friday Accent, but clearly we need to do abetter job of telling people where to find it. We're doing ads, we'll dorefers, and I'll nag and nag to make sure that happens.

As you know, arts coverage is very, very important to me, and I'll fight toget it. Fortunately, the editors and publisher feel the same way, sofighting hasn't been necessary.

I know there are frustrations out there because of the changes in Caliente -but I think what we've got now is far more extensive than what we've everhad.

Give the Friday Accent a chance. And continue to look throughout the weekfor reviews and other arts coverage. I think you'll find we have broader anddeeper arts news in this format.

Monday, October 23, 2006

Friends, I wrote this last week for the Star's guest opinion section in regards to the recent changes to the Caliente. I'm betting it won't get printed, and in case it isn't, I wanted to send it out to all those who I thought would be interested. Please forward, and if you feel as strongly about the situation as I do, please do call, write, or email the Star and let them know. (Please don't cite this letter unless they print it, as they may have already delted it and not know what you're referring to. If they do print it, cite away!)

Thanks,

Art Almquist

Submission for Guest Opinion

Art Almquist, MFA

Local Actor, TucsonHighMagnet School Director of Theatre

Since mankind learned to communicate, live theatre has been one of the most invigorating art forms around. The movies can give you special effects, but in what other story-based performance art form can you feel the thrill of knowing that the play’s world is being created and controlled right before your very eyes? Kathy Allen, the Star’s theatre critic, knows this. What frustrates me is that those behind the new, “improved” incarnation of Caliente don’t.

Clearly aiming for the ever-important younger demographic, they have decided to “hip up” Caliente. (Music is now referred to as “Soundz.” How hip is that?) Caliente now features no fewer than 11 pages devoted to music and 13 devoted to movies and TV.

Local live theatre, which is made up of Tucsonans working insanely long hours for little or no pay (and almost always in addition to a full-time job), all for the sole purpose of entertaining other Tucsonans? Beyond a tiny calendar listing as far back as possible without being the crossword, it receives no mention. “My Ride” devotes a page to someone’s hip mode of transportation, but local theatre gets not a word. Not a picture. Not a thing. This is not just a snub to the thousands of us who either work in or support local theatre; frankly, it’s a slap in the face. We’re confused by this decision, and yes, we’re angry.

Any member of any theatrical community will tell you: we depend on newspapers for our audience. We wish this weren’t the case, and that people would fill our seats every night on their own. Among the many things we have to compete with are DVDs, satellite TV, movie theatres, and, ironically, touring theatrical productions. A trendy touring production brings with it name recognition (“I heard it was such a wonderful show!”), more expensive production values (“Now that was a show!”), and cocktail party conversation (“Did you see that show?”). Local theatre has precious little money to spend on anything, and so depends on coverage given in the newspapers for its publicity. In my years as a local actor and Director of Theatre at Tucson High, every bit of coverage given in the Star has helped enormously in bringing audiences out.

And please, don’t tell me that it’s all good because the reviews and previews will still appear on other days. It’s not okay. People go to Caliente for their entertainment plans. I speak from immediate experience: On the Verge, the play in which I currently am acting, received a positive Tuesday review from Kathy Allen. Audience response to the show has been tremendously positive. The size of our largest house: 27. Caliente coverage: zero. It’s no coincidence.

I am not exaggerating or being “dramatic”: if this does not change, local theatre will die in Tucson. And it will be missed. I ask everyone, from actors to patrons to directors to ushers to fans: please contact the Star and tell them you don’t care about being “hip.” You want local theatre!

Friends, I wrote this last week for the Star's guest opinion section in regards to the recent changes to the Caliente. I'm betting it won't get printed, and in case it isn't, I wanted to send it out to all those who I thought would be interested. Please forward, and if you feel as strongly about the situation as I do, please do call, write, or email the Star and let them know. (Please don't cite this letter unless they print it, as they may have already delted it and not know what you're referring to. If they do print it, cite away!)

Thanks,

Art Almquist

Submission for Guest Opinion

Art Almquist, MFA

Local Actor, TucsonHighMagnet School Director of Theatre

Since mankind learned to communicate, live theatre has been one of the most invigorating art forms around. The movies can give you special effects, but in what other story-based performance art form can you feel the thrill of knowing that the play’s world is being created and controlled right before your very eyes? Kathy Allen, the Star’s theatre critic, knows this. What frustrates me is that those behind the new, “improved” incarnation of Caliente don’t.

Clearly aiming for the ever-important younger demographic, they have decided to “hip up” Caliente. (Music is now referred to as “Soundz.” How hip is that?) Caliente now features no fewer than 11 pages devoted to music and 13 devoted to movies and TV.

Local live theatre, which is made up of Tucsonans working insanely long hours for little or no pay (and almost always in addition to a full-time job), all for the sole purpose of entertaining other Tucsonans? Beyond a tiny calendar listing as far back as possible without being the crossword, it receives no mention. “My Ride” devotes a page to someone’s hip mode of transportation, but local theatre gets not a word. Not a picture. Not a thing. This is not just a snub to the thousands of us who either work in or support local theatre; frankly, it’s a slap in the face. We’re confused by this decision, and yes, we’re angry.

Any member of any theatrical community will tell you: we depend on newspapers for our audience. We wish this weren’t the case, and that people would fill our seats every night on their own. Among the many things we have to compete with are DVDs, satellite TV, movie theatres, and, ironically, touring theatrical productions. A trendy touring production brings with it name recognition (“I heard it was such a wonderful show!”), more expensive production values (“Now that was a show!”), and cocktail party conversation (“Did you see that show?”). Local theatre has precious little money to spend on anything, and so depends on coverage given in the newspapers for its publicity. In my years as a local actor and Director of Theatre at Tucson High, every bit of coverage given in the Star has helped enormously in bringing audiences out.

And please, don’t tell me that it’s all good because the reviews and previews will still appear on other days. It’s not okay. People go to Caliente for their entertainment plans. I speak from immediate experience: On the Verge, the play in which I currently am acting, received a positive Tuesday review from Kathy Allen. Audience response to the show has been tremendously positive. The size of our largest house: 27. Caliente coverage: zero. It’s no coincidence.

I am not exaggerating or being “dramatic”: if this does not change, local theatre will die in Tucson. And it will be missed. I ask everyone, from actors to patrons to directors to ushers to fans: please contact the Star and tell them you don’t care about being “hip.” You want local theatre!

All courses at The Studio are taught by Anna Risley, who has had many speaking roles in SAG Feature Films along with Movies made for Network Television and Miniseries. (Most of her films were cast and shot in NYC, some in LA, and a few in Phoenix and Tucson.) Because of her acting experience, she knows exactly what casting directors want at an audition, and what directors hope for from a performance. Ms. Risley has owned and run The Studio for Actors since 1986.

The evening classes listed above are multi-week courses. However, if your schedule prevents you from attending all of the consecutive sessions, in most cases you may make up an absence by booking a private session outside of class for $65 for an hour-and-a-half session.

Few villains in the world of theatre are as conniving, ruthless and outrageously comical as Molières devoutly unscrupulous Tartuffe, the holier-than-thou hypocrite who uses religious piety to worm his way into the lives of an aristocratic 17th-century family. When the wife of the duped head of the house unfolds a plot to reveal Tartuffes true nature, we are treated to one of the funniest scenes in Western drama. Mature themes.

Pre-Show Discussion: October 19 at 6:45 p.m.; see Tornabene Theatre (formerly Laboratory Theatre) lobby for location. Learn more about the production through exciting dialogue with guest speakers! Free and open to the public.

Dates and Times:Previews: October 8 at 1:30 p.m., October 9 at 7:30 p.m.Evenings: October 11-14, 19-21, 27, 28 at 7:30 p.m.Matinees: October 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 at 1:30 p.m.

Where: Tornabene Theatre (formerly Laboratory Theatre) on the UA Campus located near the southeast corner of Park Avenue and Speedway Boulevard.

Cost: General $26, Senior Citizen/UA Employee/Military $24, Student $19, Preview $17. Tickets may be charged to MasterCard, Visa or American Express. A convenience fee of $2.00 per order will be charged for phone orders. If you would like your tickets mailed to you, there is an additional $1.50 fee per order.

Ticket Information: UA Fine Arts Box Office, (520) 621-1162 (Hours: M-F, 11 a.m.  4 p.m. and one hour prior to performance time.)Parking: Theatregoers may park in the Park Avenue Garage, located on Park just north of Speedway Blvd. For weekday evening performances, you can now pre-pay for parking. Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight, take your parking ticket immediately to the garage cashier after parking. Cashier is located on the east side of the main level. Parking fee will be $3.00 (cash only). After the performance, insert the parking ticket at the gate to exit. Saturday and Sunday there is no charge to park.

Compass Health Care, a 501 C-3 non-profit is seeking a candidate to fill the position of Program Assistant for C.A.S.T., Clean and Sober Theatre.Program assistant deals with all aspects of production and program administration. Candidate must have good communication skills, be highly organized, enjoy working with young people, be proficient in all Microsoft Word programs and have data base management expertise.Good driving record.Background in performing arts a plus. Twenty-five years of age required by program licensing.

C.A.S.T. is a theatre ensemble comprised of young people whose lives have been impacted by addiction. The group tours to Middle Schools and High Schools, Conferences and TreatmentCenters throughout Arizona and beyond. Must be willing to travel.

A SINGLE WOMAN is based on the life and writings of early feminist Jeannette Rankin, who was the first woman elected to Congress – before women had the right to vote!Deliciously political, occasionally chilling, ironic and idiosyncratic, A SINGLE WOMAN illuminates the role of the individual in the American legislative process.This timely production stars Jeanmarie Simpson as Jeannette Rankin and director Cameron Crain as Everyman.

“Jeanmarie Simpson portrays this feisty, formidable character…

It’s masterful acting.”

- Sacramento News and Review

A SINGLE WOMAN tour ends November 5 with the performances at The Invisible Theatre.New bookings are no longer being scheduled.Look for the upcoming film produced by Heroica Films and directed by Kamala Lopez-Dawson (2007 release).

A SINGLE WOMAN

Audiences in the Tucson area can look forward to experiencing a passionate, timely play about a unique advocate for peace, free speech, women, children, labor, immigrants, Native and African Americans, and Holocaust refugees. Jeannette Rankin was elected as the first congresswoman, even before Suffrage. She voted against US entry into both world wars: In 1917, and again in 1941 when hers was the lone dissenting voice.In 1968 she led the Jeannette Rankin Brigade of 5000 women on the Capitol in DC against the Vietnam War and demanded unilateral disarmament, nuclear and otherwise. She once said, "You can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake."

With this original cast A SINGLE WOMAN creator, Jeanmarie Simpson, performs the role of Rankin: "It's vital that people meet Jeannette Rankin, her words, her actions and her remarkable character. The more people become involved, the more of an impact Jeannette's voice can make on contemporary culture."Jeanmarie's husband, Cameron Crain, directs the play and acts 80 parts as Everyman.